Well, I plugged in a set of David Clarkes, and disconnected the Mic. So the Mic input is now open circuit and the problem persists. Today I'll try eliminating the ICS tie line which is a long run to the aft audio panel.
hmm, well it's a '67 Huey, but the audio system is all fairly modern. Let me retest, but I think It happens with Lightspeed Zulu, Bose A20, DC, and modern Gentex helmets with and without ANR.
Thanks. I should have also said that we first noticed the problem during the ferry flight home - with multiple headsets plugged in. With the ICS volume set at a comfortable level, just a slight increase to the volume will cause the squeal. It's so painful when it happens that I'm tempted to glue...
We've just acquired a new aircraft (UH1H). It has an A711 audio panel. (there's a second A711 in the rear that we don't intend to use). With only the master on (no radios powered), and just my headset plugged in - increasing the ICS volume to midrange will cause some hiss and then runaway...